VOC Executive Director Laura Stradley, Monroe County Executive Cheryl Dinolfo and local officials paid tribute to Vietnam Veterans during the county’s annual “Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day” at the Roger Robach Community Center on March 29th. First proclaimed in 2012 and then officially designated in 2017 as National Vietnam War Veterans Day, the holiday is marked by ceremonies and celebration across the U.S.

Our local ceremony featured members of Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) Chapter 20, and offered recognition and appreciation for all veterans who served during the Vietnam War. We were also incredibly fortunate to hear remarks from Medal of Honor recipient Gary Beikirch, as well as three-time Purple Heart recipient Chuck Macaluso. Both men served honorably and valiantly in the Vietnam War, and they continue to help veterans of all eras.

Nearly 23,000 Vietnam Veterans live in the six-county, greater-Rochester area, and many of them have joined VVA Chapter 20. Serving as the largest, most active and longest standing local chapter of the National Vietnam Veterans of America, Inc., the organization maintains a strong, united voice for addressing issues of importance to all Vietnam-era veterans.